Sunday, March 4, 2012

The truth exposing professors

While reading "Dancing with Professors The Trouble with Academic Prose" a lot of real life connections were made. It made more then a convincing case that perhaps we should not install all our trust in such an authorial figure. From the beginning of school we are taught that our teachers know best and we should give them all the respect they command. Through my 12, now going on 13, years of school i have a huge problem with that. Although most of my teachers have fit the script and have actually commanded respect there are some that did not deserve the slightest bit and received the opposite. This reading also suggests that maybe professors do not know exactly what is right and to obtain your own thought process not pertaining to that of your professor. I would strongly emphasize this to any student because it is most important to obtain your own thought process to prevent others from peering in to your own brain. It also maintains a sense of individuality, which matters a great amount. Professors will also complicate their students sometimes. They write complex papers that would make them appear brilliant by using such complex words and phrases. The affect of this is setting the students exceptions that to write a standard paper they must place as many "20 point" words as possible. I even have to admit sometimes i feel as if putting more extravagant words will higher my grade level.. It is a trap that has overflowed the minds of too many students pertaining to the fallacies of writing.  According to the text professors will use this strategy all the time. Even when they might not know exactly what they are talking about the use of such huge words downplays that majorly. Again, I have experienced the effects of this firsthand. Sometimes when professors present something that I have a few questions with, I hesitate because I believe that the professors is in fact a professor for a reason; because he knows a lot more then me. Which is not entirely true, but that should not diminish the fact of critical thinking and questioning of those in a higher role then we are.
 

Sunday, February 19, 2012

EA chapter 9

In chapter nine:Writing Arguments the text illustrates the different type of arguments which play crucial roles. First, the writer critiques the 2008 GOP campaign. It made a direct correlation to the visual argument I just made for WP1. On page 252 the writer says "..a term can be defined in many ways-by what it is, by what it isn't, by what it includes, by specific examples, by what authorities (such as Mark Twain) observe, and in this case, by feelings." He is explaining this, in context from the speech Barrack Obama gave in Missouri, when questioned about his patriotism. Include the term The Occupy Movement for which Im doing WP2. When following how a term can be defined, it is a non leader movement which includes the people and specific examples are all over both, Western and Eastern coast cities. It is a good way to approach terms that give you trouble because it creates an all around knowledge sense of the definition.  The different kinds of definitions, as discussed in the text, are formal definitions, operational definitions and example definitions. Operational definitions intrigued me immensely. It creates the thought of not only being one solution to problems. There can be many ways to arrive at an desired outcome, so thinking there is only one is pretty ignorant. An example of operational definition is should Barry Bonds be allowed to keep his home run crown even though he is known to have used HGH (human growth hormone),which dramatically increases your muscle size but is not know to increase hand eye coordination. Although Barry Bonds does have the record for hitting the most home runs, he cheated, so therefore should not be granted that title even though he may not have been using during a majority of his home runs. Operational definitions always pertain to very sensitive topics and creates arguments which is why I have a good deal of interest invested in it.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

EA chapter 3

"Everything and Argument" chapter three describes arguments based on character or better known as Ethos. It first illustrates how the head of India's Tata Motors unveiled Nano, which is said to be the worlds cheapest car, just under 2500. There marketing strategy for selling it is to what your though of the cars character will be. It will be "dependable, safe, fuel efficient, and low and on emissions."Focusing on these great aspects of the car could really benefit there profits, which Tata Motors really seems to hit on the head. It also appeals to the many of the beliefs today about car emissions and lowering them for the better of the environment. They focus on these values to demise the reason the car is so cheap including the windows are manual, there is no air conditioning, and the bodywork is made of sheet metal and plastic. The Nano car really appeals to our Ethos and that is how the marketing strategy also relates. Arguments can be soley based on character work. When ignorant about a subject, we look to professionals in the subject to advise us from doctors to lawyers to pastors. Arguments about character will identify three claims usually from a person who does or does not have the authority to speak to this issue. Also a person who is or is not trustworthy on the issue and a person who does or does not have good motives for addressing this subject. All three of these claims all direct towards what people look at when arguments are based on character work.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Inventing Arguments Reading

An argument is a verbal opposition between two or more parties. Arguments are everywhere from television, radio, billboards, internets, or even cafes. There are different approaches or types of arguments. An academic argument is to make others see the wisdom of a position or perceptive. All throughout history academic arguments are the blueprint of many historical events. From political debates to the local debate team at a high school, there are many examples of an academic argument. Another type of argument is a phrase mentioned as rhetoric. Rhetoric is the process of using the most effective strategies for influencing thought. It can be a very effective tool on the brian, if used correctly. Many of the worlds most famous man including Aristotle or Abraham Lincoln to the greater benefit. Some of the worlds greatest manipulators yet the most horrible people have mastered this technique. They use the means of persuasion to benefit them. Arguments can happen everywhere and are a very crucial aspect of life. If you do not recognize the true benefits of a valid argument then life will be a lot harder. Mastering the true aspects of a good argument can only be beneficial towards yourself in many aspects including family or friend lifestyle.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

The ocean is one of the most admirable, stunning, and graceful physical aspects of human life. This picture draws me in because of the horrifying truth of what it has come to. Ocean water encompasses about two thirds of the Earth and major parts of it are starting to become heavily filled with trash. As the oceans becomes more and more of a human trash landfill, the question as to what will become of them in 20 years arises. This ad is very appealing to me and would be very easy to write about because of the immense love I have for the ocean. This ad appeals to my pathos region of emotion very deeply. It is a deep concern and would be very easy to write about. The audience for this ad would be environmentalist and humanitarians that are involved in current affairs. I could see this ad in Life, Newsweek, Times, or Forbes magazine exposing the dangers of the current world. This would rank as one of the most critical issues in current affairs because of the critical danger it has on the marine wildlife and the constraint on space we have to use. This issue needs to be taking way more serious around the world and placed in a higher matter but because of the general publics lack of awareness. With more ads placed in the big time magazines on newsstand, only then will this be a more trending topic.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Intro Blog

My name is Austin Havens. I resided in Stockton, California before attending school at Arizona State. I am a social person who always is down for task at hand. I like to read to pass the time away, especially historical biographies or accounts. One of my favorite figures in history is John F. Kennedy. He was a unique person who not only had the social skill and public confidence but the leadership, poise, and ambition of one of the greatest presidents of all time. Music plays a huge role in my life, the area to which i was raised had its own unique flavor that really played a huge role over the years. From artist like Mac Dre, The grouch, People Under The Stairs, Hieroglyphics, Living Legends, Zion I, plus many more. They all have unprecedented flavor and rap to inform not to maintain. The music inspires me to be my own person and not be just another duplicate. Individuality is the goal. Dogs play a huge part in my life as well. Ever since I can remember Ive had a dog in my life. They are the sweetest and most lovable things this world can offer. Sports are a keen aspect of me. Not only do i love to play them but watch as well, pondering what I would do without ESPN is not a good thought. The Sacramento Kings, Oakland A's, and Oakland Raiders are my favorite teams, so it is a pretty hard time in life right now considering no team has made the playoffs in the last 5 years. San Francisco and the whole bay area is one of my favorite places in the world. The lifestyle and culture is so unique it is like no place in the world. The Beaches of San Diego also play a vital role in sustaining a manageable life. I am looking foward to ascending through this life to what it may bring".Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." John F Kennedy.